Controversial Kangaroo Tarryn Thomas is reportedly set to miss the vast majority of the 2024 AFL season after being hit with an 18-week suspension by the league for consistently poor off-field behaviour.
Thomas was stood down by North Melbourne last year in the wake of serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against the player.
He was also charged with one count of threatening to distribute an intimate image by Victoria Police in early 2023. That charge was dropped after Thomas paid $1000 to charity.
During his time away from the club, Thomas was required to participate in a respect and responsibility education program that deals with accountability, remorse and behaviour change following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
According to 9 News reporter Tom Morris, an 18-week suspension has been handed down to the 23-year-old by the AFL following a recent investigation into further allegations against Thomas.
Morris reports Thomas will be required to serve the suspension in its entirety, which will mean he is not available until Round 20.
As of Tuesday evening, North Melbourne have denied a penalty has been handed down to Thomas, with the league still believed to be working through its investigation.
“The reality is we haven't had the information of what has happened on this last investigation,” Kangaroos football boss Todd Viney told News Corp.
“We will take our time to have a look at that (the findings) and see what the AFL has found and have some time to think about our next position.”
Thomas has played 69 games for the Kangaroos since joining the club in 2018.